3 ContentsPower windows ............................... 183
Sliding/pop-up roof ....................... 186
Interior lighting ............................. 189
Rear window sunshade ................. 191
Sun visors ....................................... 192
Vanity mirrors ................................ 192
Interior ............................................ 193
Storage compartments and
armrests ..................................... 193
Glove box ..................................... 194
Coat hooks ...................................... 198
Cup holder ...................................... 199
Ashtrays ..........................................202
Lighter .............................................204
Parcel net in trunk ........................205
Cargo tie-down hooks ....................206
Parcel net in
front passenger footwell ..........206
Telephone, general ........................207
Garage door opener .......................208
Infrared reflecting windshield .... 212
DrivingControl and operation of
radio transmitters .....................214
The first 1 000 miles
(1 500 km) .................................. 215
Maintenance ...................................215
Tele Aid ............................................ 216
Catalytic converter ........................ 226
Emission control ............................ 227
Starter switch ................................. 228
Starter switch – KEYLESS-GO ..... 230
Starting and turning off
the engine .................................. 233
Automatic transmission ............... 235
Parking brake ................................ 244
Driving instructions ...................... 245
Drive sensibly – save fuel ........ 245
Drinking and driving ................ 245
Pedals .......................................... 245
Power assistance ........................ 246
Brakes .......................................... 246Driving off ...................................247
Parking ........................................248
Tires .............................................249
Snow chains ................................ 251
Winter driving instructions ......252
Deep water ..................................254
Passenger compartment ...........254
Traveling abroad ........................255
Cruise control .................................256
Distronic (DTR) ..............................259
Brake assist system (BAS) ............275
Antilock brake system
(ABS) ........................................... 276
Electronic stability program
(ESP) ...........................................278
Active body control (ABC) ............282
Level control system ......................283
Parking assist
(Parktronic) ................................286
What you should know
at the gas station ....................... 291
Check regularly and
before a long trip ......................294
J_OM_215.book Seite 3 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
4 Contents
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................296
On-board
diagnostic system .......................296
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................296
Brake warning lamp ..................298
Supplemental
restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................299
Fuel reserve warning .................299
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................300
Electronic stabilityprogram
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 301
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp .............................. 301
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................302
Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ......302
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .....302Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display .............. 303
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 304
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 304
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ......... 305
ENTRY POSITION ...................... 306
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 306
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 307
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 307
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 308
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 308
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 309
COOLANT (coolant level) .......... 310
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 311
LIGHTING SYSTEM ....................312
LAMP SENSOR ............................ 314
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ................... 314
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ........ 315
CRUISE CONTROL ...................... 315ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 316
TIRE PRESSURE ......................... 318
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................320
SEAT BACKREST ........................ 321
KEY ...............................................322
DOOR ...........................................322
HOOD ...........................................323
TELE AID .....................................323
WASHER FLUID .........................326
DISTRONIC (DTR) ......................327
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................330
Fuses ................................................ 331
Shelf below rear window ..............333
Hood .................................................334
Checking engine oil level .............337
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................338
Active body control
(ABC) fluid level ........................338
Coolant level ...................................339
Adding coolant ...........................339
J_OM_215.book Seite 4 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
32 Central locking system
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
General notes on the central locking system
If the electronic key is inserted in the starter switch, the
vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked with the remote
control or a KEYLESS-GO-card.
If the vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked:
•Aim transmitter eye at a receiver on either door
handle. Check the batteries of the electronic key, see
page 369, or synchronize the remote control,
seepage371.
•Vehicles with KEYLESS-GO only:
A KEYLESS-GO-card must be recognized by the
system as being outside the vehicle to enable the
vehicle to be locked or unlocked (maximum distance
between card and doors or trunk is approximately
3 ft. (1 m). Check the location of the KEYLESS-GO-
card, see page 37. Check the batteries of the
KEYLESS-GO-card, see page 372. The trunk lid will
ope n automatically if a KEYLESS -GO c ar d is detected
in the trunk, see page 38.Note:
If neither the remote control nor KEYLESS-GO system
functions, use the mechanical key to unlock or lock the
vehicle. To start engine, insert the electronic key in the
starter switch. There could be a slight delay until the
electronic key can be turned in the starter switch.
Important!
When unlocking the driver’s door with the mechanical
key, the exterior lamps will flash and the alarm will
sound.
To cancel the alarm:
•insert the electronic key in the starter switch,
•press buttonŒ or‹ on the electronic key or
•vehicles with KEYLESS-GO:
when carrying the KEYLESS-GO-card, grasp the
door handle or press the start-/stop button on the
gear selector lever.
J_OM_215.book Seite 32 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
171 Automatic climate control
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Automatic climate control
The system is always at operational readiness, except
when manually switched off.
The automatic climate control only operates with the
engine running.
The temperature selector should be left at the desired
temperature setting. The temperature selected is
reached as quickly as possible.
The system will not heat or cool any quicker by setting a
higher or lower temperature.
The desired interior temperature and air distribution
can be selected separately for the left and right side of
the passenger compartment. Make the temperature
settings in small increments.
The automatic climate control removes considerable
moisture from the air during operation in the cooling
mode. It is normal for water to drip on the ground
through ducts in the underbody.
The air conditioning will not engage (no cooling) if the
economy mode AC
OFF
selected, see page 178. Notes:
The current settings (Temperature, Air volume, AC
OFF,
Activated charcoal filter, ON / OFF) are stored for each
electronic key before the electronic key is removed from
the starter switch or when the vehicle is locked using
the KEYLESS-GO-card (vehicles with keyless-go), see
key dependent memory settings on page 113.
Do not obstruct the air flow by placing objects on the air
flow-through exhaust slots below the rear window.
Also keep the air intake grill in front of the windshield
free of snow and debris.
The storage compartment between the front seats can be
ventilated. See page 180 for notes on ventilating the
storage space under the armrest in the center console.
The air conditioner switches itself off for its own
protection if refrigerant is lost. No cooling will then take
place. Economy mode AC
OFF
cannot be switched off.
Have the air conditioner checked by a Mercedes-Benz
Center should this happen.
If the vehicle interior has been heated by direct sunlight
and it is very hot, ventilate the interior (open door or
windows for a short period) before driving off.
J_OM_215.book Seite 171 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
246 Driving instructions
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Power assistance
BrakesExcessive use of salt and other snow melting chemicals
spread on roads during the winter months may cause a
build up of moisture or residue to form on the braking
components. This build up or residue could cause light
corrosion of the braking components if the vehicle is
parked with the brakes cold. Apply steady and even
braking pressure when stopping the vehicle to warm up
and dry the brake components.
Important!
Please pay attention to the function of the brake assist
system (BAS), see page 275.
The condition of the parking brake system is checked
each time the vehicle is in the shop for the required
maintenance service at an authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
If the parking brake is released and the brake warning
lamp in the instrument cluster stays on, the brake fluid
level in the reservoir is too low.
Brake pad wear or a leak in the system may be the
reason for low brake fluid in the reservoir.
Have the brake system inspected at an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center immediately.
Wa r n i n g !
When the engine is not running, the brake and
steering systems are without power assistance.
Under these circumstances, a much greater effort is
necessary to stop or steer the vehicle.Wa r n i n g !
After driving in heavy rain for some time without
applying the brakes or through water deep enough
to wet brake components or salty road conditions,
the first braking action may be somewhat reduced
and increased pedal pressure may be necessary to
obtain expected braking effect. Be sure to maintain
a safe distance from vehicles in front.Resting your foot on the brake pedal will cause
excessive and premature wear of the brake pads.It can also result in the brakes overheating thereby
significantly reducing their effectiveness. It may
not be possible to stop the vehicle in sufficient time
to avoid an accident.
J_OM_215.book Seite 246 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
294 Check regularly and before a long trip
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Check regularly and before a long trip 1Windshield washer and
headlamp cleaning system
For refilling reservoir see page 340.
2Coolant level,
see “Coolant level” on page 339
3Engine oil level,
see “Engine oil level, checking” on page 157
and 337
4Brake fluid,
see “Brake fluid” on page 401
Opening hood, see page 334.
Ve h i c l e l i g h t i n g : Check function and cleanliness. For
replacement of light bulbs, see “Exterior lamps” on
page 360.
Exterior lamp switch, see page 159.
P20.00-2057-26
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295 Contents - Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................296
On-board
diagnostic system .......................296
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................296
Brake warning lamp ..................298
Supplemental
restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................299
Fuel reserve warning .................299
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................300
Electronic stabilityprogram
(ESP) — warning lamp ............... 301
Distronic (DTR) —
warning lamp .............................. 301
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................302Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the center console ...... 302
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 302
Malfunction and
warning messages in the
multifunction display .............. 303
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(engine control unit) ................. 304
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE
(several systems) ....................... 304
BATTERY /ALTERNATOR ......... 305
ENTRY POSITION ...................... 306
BRAKE ASSIST ........................... 306
BRAKE PAD WEAR .................... 307
BRAKE FLUID ............................ 307
PARKING BRAKE ....................... 308
TRUNK OPEN ............................. 308
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability program) . 309COOLANT (coolant level) .......... 310
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) .................311
LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 312
LAMP SENSOR ........................... 314
SEAT BELT SYSTEM ................... 314
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION ....... 315
CRUISE CONTROL ..................... 315
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ............................................ 316
TIRE PRESSURE ......................... 318
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................320
SEAT BACKREST ........................ 321
KEY ...............................................322
DOOR ...........................................322
HOOD ...........................................323
TELE AID .....................................323
WASHER FLUID .........................326
DISTRONIC (DTR) ......................327
J_OM_215.book Seite 295 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14
296 Malfunction and indicator lamps
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Malfunction and indicator lamps
in the instrument cluster
General information:
If a bulb in the instrument cluster fails to light up
during the bulb self-check when turning the electronic
key in starter switch to position 2, have it checked and
replaced if necessary.
Emission control
Certain systems of the engine serve to keep the toxic
components of the exhaust gases within permissible
limits required by law.
These systems, of course, will function properly only
when maintained strictly according to factory
specifications. Any adjustments on the engine should,
therefore, be carried out only by authorized Mercedes-
Benz Center qualified technicians. Engine adjustments
should not be altered in any way. Moreover, the
specified service jobs must be carried out regularly
according to Mercedes-Benz servicing requirements.
For details refer to the Service Booklet.On-board diagnostic system
Check engine malfunction indicator lamp
Engine malfunction indicator lamp. If the
“CHECK ENGINE” malfunction indicator
lamp comes on when the engine is running,
it indicates a malfunction of the fuel management
system, emission control system, systems which impact
emissions, or the fuel cap is not closed tight (check the
fuel cap). If the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp is illuminated
continuously and the vehicle is driving normally, you
Wa r n i n g !
Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your
health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide,
and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and
lead to death. Do not run the engine in confined areas (such as a
garage) which are not properly ventilated. If you
think that exhaust gas fumes are entering the
vehicle while driving, have the cause determined
and corrected immediately. If you must drive under
these conditions, drive only with at least one
window fully open.
J_OM_215.book Seite 296 Mittwoch, 30. Mai 2001 2:01 14